Kate Grady
Westport
Summary
Final-year BSc Psychology student at the University of Limerick. Strong academic interest in psychological research, data analysis, and applied psychology. I have experience in academic research through my role as a Research Assistant in the Department of Psychology at my University, as part of my cooperative education placement. I am seeking to pursue a Master's degree to further develop my research and professional skills in the field of psychology.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Care Assistant/ Relief worker
Western Care Association
Westport
06.2025 - Current
- Supported adults with intellectual disabilities in residential houses to complete daily activities with professionalism and empathy
- Provided a person-centred approach to caring for individuals
- Worked collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams (physios, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, etc.)
- Maintained accurate records and adhered to organisational policies and care protocols
- Developed strong communication, responsibility, and problem-solving skills
- Completed relevant training programs on HSEland
Waitress
Solrio Restaurant
Westport
12.2019 - 12.2025
- Experience in dealing with customers while answering the phone and taking bookings.
- Handled cash and credit card transactions and balanced cash drawer at the end of each shift.
- Worked flexible schedule including, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Trained in new staff members on customer service, cash handling, and menu knowledge.
Packaging operator/product builder
Mayo Healthcare
Westport
06.2021 - 12.2024
- Worked as part of a team to complete a task to meet a quota.
- Communicated with quality control and management.
- Worked as a team to solve any issues encountered on the job.
Education
Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Psychology
University of Limerick
Limerick01.2026
Skills
- Literature searching
- Critical evaluation of research
- Qualitative research methods
- Quantitative research methods
- Data collection
- Data organisation
- Data management
- Statistical analyses
- SPSS
- Excel
- R Studio
- Academic writing
- Referencing
- APA style
- Research ethics
- Adherence to ethical guidelines
- Person-centred care
- Disability support
- Maintaining client records
References
- Jessica Watts, Social Care Leader, Western Care Association, Westport Residential Services, +353(0)871036725, JWatts@westerncare.com
- Dr. Cillian McHugh, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Co., V94 T9PX, +353 (0)61234883, cillian.mchugh@ul.ie
Hobbies and Interests
- Team sports, including Gaelic football, camogie, athletics, and Irish dancing
- Working with children, experiencing teaching Irish dancing at the primary school level
- Music, performance, and the performing arts
Volunteer Experience
- Doras Ireland remembrance tree organised by the Limerick Rotary Club
- BeMindfUL – 4-week voluntary programme consisting of workshops on topics such as building empathy & understanding, mental health and active allyship, substance use & gambling, and suicide prevention
- UL International Buddy programme set up to help international students at UL feel at home and find their feet while taking part in Erasmus, Study Abroad, or Exchange programmes
- Assisting in teaching Irish Dancing classes at Three Crowns Irish Dancing school in Castletroy, Co. Limerick
- Teaching French exchange students English during summer/easter holidays for Association Regards exchange organisation
Academic Research Skills
- Literature searching and critical evaluation of research
- Qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Data collection, organisation and management
- Different statistical analyses (SPSS, Excel, R Studio)
- Academic writing and referencing (APA style)
- Research ethics and adherence to ethical guidelines
Research
Research Assistant, Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, 06/2024, 12/2024, Assisted in data collection for a recently published paper under my supervisor, Dr. Cillian McHugh, on the replication of Triplett’s social facilitation experiment., Maintained strict ethical standards, confidentiality, and informed consent procedures throughout data collection., Assisted in data entry and analysis through SPSS and code (R and Python)., Conducted comprehensive literature reviews using academic databases (e.g., PsychINFO, PubMed)., Attended a programming/coding workshop held in the Department of Psychology., Participated in research team meetings and contributed to academic discussions.
Accomplishments
Gaisce - The President's Award (Bronze)
Timeline
Social Care Assistant/ Relief worker
Western Care Association
06.2025 - Current
Packaging operator/product builder
Mayo Healthcare
06.2021 - 12.2024
Waitress
Solrio Restaurant
12.2019 - 12.2025
Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Psychology
University of Limerick